Last reviewed · How we verify
Acetylcysteine (NAC)
Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent that breaks disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, reducing mucus viscosity and facilitating clearance, while also serving as a precursor to glutathione for antioxidant protection.
Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic and antioxidant agent that replenishes glutathione and breaks disulfide bonds in mucoproteins to reduce mucus viscosity. Used for Chronic bronchitis with excessive mucus production, Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose and toxicity, Cystic fibrosis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Acetylcysteine (NAC) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Flumil |
| Sponsor | Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra |
| Drug class | Mucolytic agent; antioxidant |
| Target | Glutathione synthesis; disulfide bonds in mucoproteins |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory; Toxicology; General Medicine |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
NAC works by cleaving disulfide bonds in mucopolysaccharides, thereby decreasing mucus viscosity and improving mucociliary clearance in respiratory conditions. Additionally, it is metabolized to glutathione, a major intracellular antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and is used in acetaminophen overdose to replenish depleted glutathione stores.
Approved indications
- Chronic bronchitis with excessive mucus production
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose
- Cystic fibrosis
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Bronchospasm
Key clinical trials
- Effects of NAC on Symptoms of CHR Patients (NA)
- Individualized Multiplex Pathophysiological Treatment of Severe Acute Infections: N-Acetylcysteine (PHASE4)
- Glutathione in Mild Cognitive Impairment (EARLY_PHASE1)
- A Study to Explore if Long-term Use of Mucinex Can Help With Symptoms in Patients With Stable Chronic Bronchitis. (PHASE4)
- Prospective Treatment Efficacy in IPF Using Genotype for Nac Selection (PRECISIONS) Trial (PHASE3)
- N-Acetylcysteine for Smoking Cessation in Tobacco and Cannabis Co-Use (PHASE4)
- A Clinical Trial Via Telepsychiatry of Treatments for the Management of Emotional Dysregulation in Youth (PHASE4)
- Comparative Clinical Study to Evaluate the Possible Efficacy and Safety of Oral N-Acetyl Cysteine Versus Rectal Diclofenac in the Prevention of Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Acetylcysteine (NAC) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Acetylcysteine (NAC) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra portfolio CI